Anne Lamott:

You may in fact be wondering what I even mean when I use the word "prayer."  It's certainly not what TV Christians mean.  It's not for display purposes, like plastic sushi or neon.  Prayer is private, even when we pray with others.  It is communication from the heart to that which surpasses understanding.  Let's say it is communication from one's heart to God.  Or if that is too triggering or ludicrous a concept for you, to the Good, the force that is beyond our comprehension but that in our pain or supplication or relief we don't need to define or have proof of or any established contact with.  Let's say it is what the Greeks called the Really Real, what lies within us, beyond the scrim of our values, positions, convictions, and wounds.  Or let's say it is a cry from deep within to Life or Love, with capital L's.

Help, Thanks, Wow, p. 1-2